Public Policy

Make an impact on your community

Our interdisciplinary public policy program empowers students to understand, design, and advocate for solutions to society’s pressing challenges. Rooted in the liberal arts and grounded in real-world application, our program builds ethical, analytical, and leadership skills that drive social and political change.

Foundational courses in public policy, political science, economics, data analysis, and ethics help prepare students for advanced courses in policy. Our students have the freedom to choose or create a concentration that enables them to develop expertise in an area of public policy analysis. For example, they can focus on business, environment, health care, gender, economics, or law. Because public policy is an applied field, majors complete an internship and develop a capstone project, both of which help build practical knowledge and skills.

Alumni find fulfilling careers in public service, advocacy, non-profits, law firms, business, and related fields. They work in local government, state capitals, Washington D.C., and organizations across the globe. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, social justice, or governance, our interdisciplinary approach equips you with the tools to turn your vision into impact.

Gain experience from day one

Gain experience from day one

Personalized mentorship

Experienced faculty provide academic advising and mentorship grounded in real-world insight.

Hands-on experience

Develop skills and apply what you learn through internships, capstone projects, and community engagement. You can take advantage of travel courses to Washington D.C., Sacramento, CA, and abroad.

Fieldwork opportunities

Explore public policy in action through strategic placements in local government such as Redlands or San Bernardino County, in state government agencies and courts across California, and in Washington, D.C. International fieldwork is also possible.

Career-focused outcomes

Our graduates build successful careers by furthering their studies in graduate programs and law schools that include Georgetown, UCLA, USC, Princeton, Yale, and many others.

Explore our degree programs

Major

The interdisciplinary Public Policy major draws its theoretical foundations from several liberal arts disciplines including Political Science and Economics.

See B.A. in Public Policy →

Minor

Minoring in public policy will help you understand how government decisions and indecisions shape civic society, enhance your critical thinking and analytical skills. It’s a great complement to any major and equips you with knowledge and skills valued in any field.

See Public Policy Minor →

Graduate "4+1" MPPA Program

Want to spend an extra year to earn a master's degree? Begin taking classes as a senior! The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) is a comprehensive graduate program that combines strategic thinking and policy insight with leadership and management training.

See Pathway→

Opportunities beyond the classroom

May Term in Washington, D.C. or Sacramento, CA

During a month-long travel course (May Term), open the door to an internship or career in Washington, D.C. by exploring the nation's capital with our professors and DC-based alumni. Offered every year.

Immerse yourself in California politics through a course on-campus and a field trip to the State capital where you will interact with practioners and observe politics in action. (Will be offered May Term 2028).

Internships and fellowships

- Placement in the Jerry Tinker Washington, D.C., summer internship with alumni. Apply in the fall for a competitive monetary award that helps offset housing, meal, and transportation costs. Approximately three students are awarded this placement per year. Recommended: Summer following Junior Year or Senior Year.

Post-graduate fellowship opportunity:
- The Sacramento Capital Fellows Program is offered through the State of California and California State University, Sacramento. This is very competitive, prestigious, and full-time work. Must be a graduate to apply.

Semester abroad

Redlands offers students more than 100+ study away locations and semester-long programs. Students have studied recently in Morocco, Indonesia, Scotland, Argentina, Austria, and Japan.

Honors societies

- Pi Sigma Alpha: Qualifying students in the chapter present their research at the national undergraduate research conference, contribute to podcasts, organize essay contests, sponsor speakers, and promote civic engagement through other events.